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This system offers an automated attendance tracking solution by combining RFID technology with IoT capabilities—specifically, NodeMCU (ESP8266) for connectivity and Google Sheets for cloud-based record keeping. It enables real-time capture and tracking of attendance data.
You’ll learn how to: ✅ Connect an RFID-RC522 module to NodeMCU ✅ Display instructions on an LCD screen for smooth tag scanning ✅ Integrate your system with Google Sheets for instant updates ✅ Assign unique RFID cards or ID badges to each student or employee ✅ Keep attendance logs automatically stored in the cloud
Core Components
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Hardware:
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NodeMCU (ESP8266): Powers the system and handles Wi-Fi connectivity.
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RFID Reader (e.g., MFRC522): Reads the unique ID from RFID cards or tags.
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Optional elements often include buzzers, LCDs, or LEDs for user feedback.
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Software & Connectivity:
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Programming via the Arduino IDE using relevant libraries (e.g., MFRC522).
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Google Sheets API enables real-time data upload to a spreadsheet
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System Workflow
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Initialization: Hardware is set up and NodeMCU connects to Wi-Fi.
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RFID Scan: User presents RFID tag/card; the reader captures the UID.
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Data Transmission: NodeMCU sends this UID (and possibly other details) to Google Sheets.
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Real-Time Update: Google Sheets receives and logs the attendance instantly.
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Feedback Mechanism: A buzzer or display may confirm the scan.
Advantages
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Speed & Efficiency: Automated scanning replaces manual records.
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Accuracy: Eliminates errors due to handwriting or proxies.
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Real-Time Tracking: Attendance is accessible immediately via cloud storage.
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Analytics Ready: Google Sheets enables easy sorting, reporting, and sharing.
Optional Enhancements (from Related Research)
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Firebase Cloud Integration & Dashboards: Instead of Google Sheets, using Firebase allows a real-time dashboard with visual analytics.
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Additional Feedback: LEDs or LCD modules for better user interaction.
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Security Features: Admin alerts, NTP servers for accurate timestamps, and validation of RFID tags can be incorporated.
Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hardware | NodeMCU (ESP8266), RFID reader, optional buzzer/display |
| Software | Arduino IDE, RFID library, Google Sheets API integration |
| Functionality | Scan → UID read → transmitted → recorded in real-time |
| Benefits | Automated, accurate, efficient, and instantly accessible data |
| Extensions | Firebase dashboards, visual feedback, timestamps, valida |
